10 Unexpected Signs Of Pregnancy You Might Not Even Know About
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Pregnancy is a magical phase in a woman’s life where her body transforms rapidly to make room for a new life. Finding out that you have conceived your baby is one moment in a couple’s life that they will never forget. Most couples trying to conceive wait for the obvious signs of pregnancy, like missed periods or HCG levels in pregnancy tests. But did you know that there are other subtle signs that can indicate that you have conceived your baby? Even though these signs may be very similar to other common symptoms, keeping a close watch on them can help you determine your pregnancy at the earliest, after which you can take tests to confirm the good news. Read on to know them all!
1. You May Have Budding Skin Tags On Your Body
The occurrence of skin tags on your body is not uncommon, but they are even more prevalent during pregnancy. The fluctuating hormone levels and the increase in body weight may boost the formation of skin tags (1). After delivery, many women report that their skin tags disappear on their own. So if you have noticed some new skin tags appear on your body mysteriously, it’s time to get a test done!
2. Your Mouth Produces More Saliva
Ptyalism gravidarum, or excessive salivation, accompanied by morning sickness and vomiting is experienced by most women in their first trimester (2). In addition, they may have trouble brushing their teeth and may drool. The constant gagging on everything signifies that you might have conceived your baby.
3. You Have A Metallic Taste In Your Mouth
Dysgeusia is the unpleasant taste change that can occur in the first trimester of pregnancy (3). This terrible metallic or sour taste can be eliminated by eating acidic foods or washing the mouth with salt or baking soda after brushing. Unfortunately, this often makes women gag or vomit, and they may need special teas to freshen the taste in their mouths.
4. Your Gums Are Sore
Pregnancy gingivitis is characterized by bleeding and swollen gums that are painful and is brought on by dietary and hormonal changes (4). Good dental hygiene, such as gentle brushing, can help relieve the discomfort caused by this gum disease until it eventually heals after the delivery of your child.
5. You Have A Runny Nose
About twenty percent of pregnant women get continuous sneezes and a runny nose due to pregnancy rhinitis (5). Regular exercise, diffusers, nasal sprays, & decongestants can help alleviate these irritating symptoms temporarily. However, they often disappear by the second trimester. Therefore, if you suddenly feel your nose is runny, it’s best to take a pregnancy test!
6. You Might Have Trouble Breathing
Hormonal fluctuations during early pregnancy might contribute to fatigue and give you difficulty in breathing. Maintaining a good posture and practicing focused breathing will help you breathe easier during pregnancy. You can also practice prenatal yoga and go for walks to improve your breathing. If you are suddenly feeling shortness of breath, it might be a good reason to take a test!
7. You Develop A Very Strong Sense Of Smell
During pregnancy, some women have hyperosmia or an exaggerated sensitivity to odors like perfume, coffee, gasoline, or rotting food (6). You may get superpowers and detect if food is rotting even when it looks and smells normal to others. It is normal during pregnancy, and it disappears during the first trimester. Make sure you take a pregnancy test if you can smell things others can’t.
8. You Crave For The Weirdest Of Things, Including Rocks And Chalk!
Pregnancy can make you crave the weirdest things, and some might not even belong to the food category! Foods like cornstarch, undercooked rice, chalk, and metal are among the things that some pregnant women report desiring. If you suddenly get such a craving, make sure you take a test to determine if you are pregnant.
9. You Need To Use The Washroom A Lot
One of the sure signs of pregnancy is frequent urination. The changes in hormones and the physical changes happening to your body make your body behave differently. Because your bladder is located close to the uterus, it is directly affected by the changes.
10. You Throw Up A Lot
Pregnancy in the first trimester is full of morning sickness. This is when you throw up even if you have not eaten anything, which can be a nuisance!
Finding out that you are pregnant can change your life forever, and the earlier you know it, the better you can change your lifestyle and diet to care for your child. So, which among these signs do you think is a sure sign to determine pregnancy? Let us know in the comments section!
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